A weak area of low pressure will track across Iowa with light snow/flurries Tuesday morning. No snow accumulation is expected with this low.

A stronger area of low pressure is forecast to bring our first significant snow of the season to the area. A WINTER STORM WATCH is in effect from Wednesday evening to Thursday.
Snow will develop late Wednesday afternoon and evening. Snow will be heavy at times Wednesday night and Thursday morning. The forecast track of the storm on the map below shows a prime track for eastern Iowa to see heavy snow.

The map below shows the area that has the best potential to see 4”+ of snow. There will be a band of heavier snow (8” +) but the exact position of the band will depend on the track. We will have a better handle on that in the 24-36 hours.
The wind will quickly increase Wednesday evening and remain windy through Thursday. Wind gusts from the north and northwest will be as high as 35 mph. This will cause significant blowing and drifting snow. Possible blizzard or near blizzard conditions would Wednesday night and Thursday. Here is the forecast wind map for Thursday afternoon. The darker blue is the stronger wind.
The wind will diminish Thursday night as the storm moves away and high pressure settles in. Now that there will be snow on the ground it will be harder to get warmer than normal temperatures. This will be the case with highs in the 20s through early next week and lows at times near zero.

Stay up to date on the latest forecast as this will cause many cancellations and delays.